Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: Party is over

After three games into the season the defending Stanley Cup Champions are 1-2 after a dismal matinee game against the Colorado Avalanche which they lost 1-0. Not the end of the world but certainly hope it serves as wake up call as the celebration should be over and it’s time to get back to business. Even though Coach Claude Julien claims their appearance at the New England Patriots Game on Sunday had not affect on the the team you can’t help but say “Yeah right.”. I’m not against the guys basking in the experience of being a part championship team but once the season starts it’s back to business. That being said here are a few comments I have after the first three games.

Game one was a celebration and banner raising with a game as a side note. I’ll give the guy’s a pass on this one as many did as it was something that had to be done. It was nice to see the team tote the Stanley Cup around the Garden ice for the fans which they hadn’t been able to do. It was great to see members of the 1972 team and current team together to raise the banner. It seemed like a passing of the old guard to the new generation. The significance of the moment I hope was noticed as it seemed like a huge burden was lifted from those who last lifted the Cup for the Bruin’s 39 years ago.

It was the younger guy’s who took charge in the game. Though both team’s came out the gate strong it was the Bruin’s who faded first despite scoring early. With the high energy Brad Marchand continuing where he left of with his quickness and attitude. Tyler Seguin seems to have found his confidence along with building some bulk had many chances with an assist on Brad Marchand’s lone goal.

Game two with Tampa Bay Lightning, a rematch from conference final’s, the two team’s played each other very well. Bruin’s had definitely woke up for this one. Marchand and Seguin continued with there high energy play with two assists a piece. Tim Thomas definitely had to bring his “A” game to this one against the high powered offense of Tampa. It was a nice to see a good effort and 4-1 win.

Game three was like, where did they go? The Bruin’s rarely threatened as it was clear Colorado came to play. Tuukka Rask played an excellent game but was screened on a deflection to let in the games only goal. They had a few sporadic chances but were unable capitalize on them. Bruin’s repeated the same habit from last year of playing poorly in front of Tuukka Rask who is an awesome goaltender and deserves some goal support.

On a side note what is up with Milan Lucic? Although he had a decent opportunity up close against Colorado otherwise he’s almost been transparent. Despite this he’s still plugged away on the first line along with Krejci and Horton who have also been quiet. Lucic has been especially quite since last year, with some sporadic action in the playoff’s, seems to be a shadow of himself. Not sure what’s up with him.

Well I hope the this small road trip to Carolina on Wednesday and Chicago on Saturday will do them some good. The pomp and circumstance of the Cup celebration should be quieting down with more concentration on the task at hand. All that said It’s nice to see the guys back on the ice and playing the coolest game on the planet.